lucifitzgerald

[lucifitzgerald]

Luci knows that this track wasn’t always something she predicted. She’s worked hard and so has Aiden. She hasn’t expected finding him or her dream or realizing that sometimes it’s one and the same. 

She never realized she’d find so much of her future tied into another person. In a little girl who she’d end up being a nanny to. And she can’t ask for anything more than that. 

She leans forward and nuzzles their noses in a bunny kiss before smiling. She steals a kiss, holding herself closer before drawing a soft breath as she leans back. 

“Yeah?” She asks softly. “Even better than your famous baseball team?” She teases, her hand slipping into his. 

"I know," Aiden laughs softly and that's never bothered him, Luci is supportive is many upon many ways supportive back to him as well. That is what makes them a team. "This is my favourite team, completely," he returns the compliment because it's true. In a funny way, Aiden thinks he feels more complete than he has before and that's not taking away from his past, from Caroline, it's just different.

Aiden brushes the tip of his nose against Luci's and smiles, kissing her again. Something softly but firm enough to let her know that he's here. "I love you," he nods a few times. "I'm happy to have met you."

[lucifitzgerald]

Luci turns just a little as Aiden takes both of her hands, listening to what he has to say. She can't help the small smile tugging the corners of her mouth as he speaks to her...as he gives her the confidence and love and support he's always managed to give her. Even on day one--giving her that chance when her resume and lack of experience would have sent her right out the door.

But the last one really hits her, makes her tear up for a completely different reason,

I wouldn't be here without you.

She squeezes his hands, leaning forward to kiss him gently, resting their foreheads together.

"Not exactly a sports girlie," She whispers, teasing, "But this is the best team I've ever been on." She kisses the corner of his mouth, pulling back to say, "I love you. So much."

Aiden nods as he listens. There’s a lot of stresses on Luci shoulders from being pregnant to the bakery and any tedious thing in between. It’s quite the large transition period that’s happening all at once, so he doesn’t blame her for being upset. Letting out a soft breath, Aiden rests the plate in his lap and takes Luci’s hand into his, pressing a kiss to the back of her hand.

“Can I tell you three things I know? The first being that everything you’ve done to get to where you are is because you did it. You wanted something and helped yourself get through it by nannying Vi, finishing school and going out there working long days to learn and experience,” Aiden reminds her with a small smile. “The second thing I know is that you are a good person, a good mom to Violet and baby brother, the dogs, and Pascal the Fish. And you’re going to be a good bakery owner too, because you care.”

“And third,” Aiden shifts to get a better look at Luci. “I wouldn’t be here without you. So people can say whatever they want, that I’m giving handouts or letting you have whatever you want because… maybe that’s true. But I want to do that for you because I can, because it’s things we both deserve together as a team.”

[lucifitzgerald]

Luci is grateful for the seat because her feet her and her legs are feeling a bit wobbly. She looks over at Aiden, a soft laugh leaving her lips because...she knows she was wrong. And it's not even that, really, it's just...

"I know," She turns her cheek into his hand, closing her eyes for a moment. "It's just the ugly way she said it, you know?" She shakes her head, sniffling. "Like I know she's just jealous or something, but...being devalued like that is just playing on all my insecurities." She licks her lips, "About the bakery opening next week, you know?"

People can say whatever they want about Aiden, he doesn’t care because people had a lot of opinion when he was more so in the sports spotlight too. But when it comes fo his family or friends, there’s a hardline that’s drawn and he won’t let anyone pass it. Especially when it comes to Luci. He waits and watches Margot leave, Aiden doesn’t wish her well or utter a goodbye where it’s not deserved.

Shaking his head, Aiden turns back to Luci and gently guides her to sit down. “She needed to know she was wrong,” Aiden comments, sitting down beside Luci. He touches her cheek and glides his thumb over. “I won’t tell you not to be upset, but her opinion doesn’t change the fact with all that you’ve accomplished.”

[lucifitzgerald]

Luci smooths a hand over her dress and tries not to cry. Mostly at what Margot has accused her of, but then Aiden coming to the rescue as he's always done with love and utter support. She manages a small smile at him when he holds her gaze, sniffling, not bothering to give Margot another shred of her attention.

Besides, it's obvious that she's not interested in carrying the conversation on, anyways.

She clears her throat, almost an eyeroll to go with it. "Sure, of course. Anyways, I'm sure it'll be quite the hit. You bakery."

She lets out a small sigh when she leaves, shaking her head. That's not what people with think, right? That her bakery wasn't earned? She glances up at Aiden,

"Thank you." She whispers.

Aiden slowly exhales as he looks at Margot. This is part of the problem with peoplenin this sector in his life, it’s why he doesn’t involve him immensely because it’s not for him. It’s gross and ultimately pathetic the way people throw out backhanded compliments like it’s Halloween candy for all. He works his jaw for a moment as he hums, then nods.

“I would say going to business school and studying hard at some of the top bakeries within the city has given Luci more than enough reason to welcome a new bakery in this city,” Aiden comments. “It can’t be a hand out if it’s something you work hard for, went along the stepping stones to make it work.”

Aiden glances at Luci with a firm smile, his eyes lighting up as he holds her gaze more a moment. “And you’re right Margot, I do provide for my family because that is what a good man does. I’m sorry if that wasn’t made aware to you.”

[lucifitzgerald]

Luci turns a little when she sees Aiden, swallowing down a heavy emotion sitting in her throat like a brick. She almost smiles at the plate of spring rolls that he managed to acquire them but she can't get the muscles in her face to cooperate.

"I was just congratulating Luci on her bakery." Luci bites down on the inside of her cheek, her eyes watering. "How lucky she is to have someone in her life that's so ready to...provide for her."

Meaning that the bakery has no merit of Luci's talent or hard work or time she's put in. She knows exactly what this woman is saying.

The waitress comes back with a plate of spring rolls. Aiden almost feels bad but where would have the extras gone to? The trash? Not on his watch. “Thank you very much,” he tells her and he’s always sincere. The waitress waves him off with a shy smile and pink cheeks, telling him it’s not problem but Aiden’s already turning to go back to Luci. A success story, really.

He takes a bite of one, putting the other half on the plate as he weaves through. Luckily Luci has stayed in the same spot as he sees her. But he isn’t really thrilled who he sees speaking with her. Aiden swallows and continues to step forward, coming up along Luci’s side.

“Margot,” Aiden greets. Margot is… something. She’s good at her work but definitely has a certain stature to herself that she carries.

[lucifitzgerald]

Luci can't do anything but blink.

At first she can do nothing but stare at the woman because she...doesn't understand what she's saying. She has half a mind to think that this is some joke, even a poor one. But the woman doesn't laugh. And neither does Luci. Her eyebrows draw together in confusion, glancing around for Aiden before finding it back on Margot.

"Excuse me?"

She raises her eyebrows, "I don't think what I said was confusing. Aiden's practically a New York bachelor. He's known in a bunch of different circles. He's a catch but also? Possibly one of the last decent men in the city...and he bought a whole storefront for you. Not sure whether I want to congratulate you or ask you how you did it."

It takes everything in her to keep her voice calm, "You have no idea what you're talking about."

Aiden loses the spring roll guy. He’s not sure how it happens but he’s vanished into thin air. He turns in both directions to try and spot the man with the platter but nothing. Aiden let’s out a short breath and decides to go up to one of the other serves, offering her a polite smile aa he takes the last bruschetta bread. Aiden’s been told plenty of times by his brother and Vic how oblivious he can be with people looking at him, but the way the waitress beams a grin… he can work that to his advantage for food at least.

“Do you happen to have anymore of those spring rolls?” Aiden asks her. “My wife is pregnant and it’s the only thing that’s helping right now.”

“Oh of course!” The woman nods. “I will be right back.”

So maybe more than an advantage, he’s sure Luci will understand. Aiden takes a bite of the bread as he pulls out his phone see a text from Ryan in their four way group they have.

Ryan: just letting you know, Vi’s got a whole speech about wanting a cat

Aiden: Remind her she’s got two dogs and fish

[lucifitzgerald]

Luci is thrilled that Aiden wants to go to the diner after all this. Thing is, she feels like she knows him at this point, that they’re so connected via food, that the diner would be an easy sell. Her stomach rumbles in excitement. She’s gonna get pancakes and a cheeseburger. 

Maybe they can even see some of the dinos in the exhibits before they out. But first, it’s important to schmooze and do what they came here to do. 

She grins as he says he’s gonna score them some spring rolls and watches him go before wandering towards one of the exhibits that she can see. She chews on her lower lip, tilting her head at the plaque she can read from here. 

“You must be Luci.” 

She blinks, turning towards a beautiful red head in a green dress that fits her like a glove. Luci straightens her back and puts a friendly smile on her face. 

“Yes. I’m afraid I don’t know your name.” 

She smiles but it’s not kind. “Margot.” She pauses. “I’ve worked with Aiden on several projects. Just wanted to put a name to the face of the woman who's tied Aiden O'Connell around their finger."

Luci doesn't mind at all anyways, if anything, she loves that Kim was excited enough to talk about the new little family her and Aiden are having. She's proud and happy...and really, that's all she can ask for.

"It's okay," She laughs, leaning up to kiss Aiden's cheek. She doesn't want him to think she's upset at his mother, "I don't mind. She's excited. I am too."

She smiles, moving up in line with him until they're at the bar. She leans against the counter, wondering what she can have to drink, pursing her lips at the options.

"Can I do some sort of spite and pineapple juice?" She asks and the bartender smiles and nods before making her just that.

Her eyes widen as he mentions that before leaning into him, a soft laugh leaving her lips.

"How do we manage to commandeer the whole tray?" She asks, her eyes sparkling with mischief, "Do you think...we could go to the diner after this? Before we go home?" Vi's with August and Ryan tonight anyways.

[lucifitzgerald]

Luci doesn't mind at all anyways, if anything, she loves that Kim was excited enough to talk about the new little family her and Aiden are having. She's proud and happy...and really, that's all she can ask for.

"It's okay," She laughs, leaning up to kiss Aiden's cheek. She doesn't want him to think she's upset at his mother, "I don't mind. She's excited. I am too."

She smiles, moving up in line with him until they're at the bar. She leans against the counter, wondering what she can have to drink, pursing her lips at the options.

"Can I do some sort of spite and pineapple juice?" She asks and the bartender smiles and nods before making her just that.

Her eyes widen as he mentions that before leaning into him, a soft laugh leaving her lips.

"How do we manage to commandeer the whole tray?" She asks, her eyes sparkling with mischief, "Do you think...we could go to the diner after this? Before we go home?" Vi's with August and Ryan tonight anyways.

Aiden hums, "Maybe opened the whole can," he says softly and he hopes Luci isn't upset. He knows his mother is going to be super apologetic about it, and there's never any malice with Kim. If anything, she was in the midst talking about Violet and it slipped out. It's not like they're holding their family with any threat of accidentally saying anything, eventually people are going to know by default.

He shakes his head as they stand at the bar, gently rubbing Luci's back as the bartender comes around to take their order. Aiden orders just a standard rum and coke, he's not in the mood for much anyway. But he lets Luci order whatever she's craving. He takes a glance around and spots some familiar people, good people then people he doesn't particularly care for.

"I see someone with mini grilled cheeses," Aiden sources, a waitress across the way with a platter. "Maybe we should just stand by the side door where they're coming from," he jokes.

[lucifitzgerald]

Luci can't help but let out a soft laugh as Mallory speaks to them. She seems to be brimming with excitement and she's not altogether sure whether it has anything to do with the event that they're at. But that's okay. If someone (Kim) spilled the beans, there are definitely worse things that could be circulating the gossip mills.

She offers a small wave to the woman and a smile too, turning to look up at Aiden,

"So uh...I think it's safe to say that your mom might have spilled the beans to some people." She laughs, wandering towards the open bar with Aiden.

Aiden greets Mallory as well with a polite smile and a nod. "I'm well too," she smiles at them and Aiden and Luci haven't told anyone outside their family that she's pregnant but there's something in Mallory's eye that sparkles like maybe she knows something. Maybe Kim got a bit too excited. Although, Mallory doesn't say anything.

"There are a bunch of schmoozers here tonight," she tells them and looks around. "Hopefully it'll be a quick night for everyone, raise some good money."

"That's all we can hope for," Aiden agrees as he glances at Luci with a small smile.

Mallory laughs softly, "Exactly. I won't keep you, just wanted to say hello." She smiles pretty big at Luci too, that twinkle again. "Have a good evening."

[lucifitzgerald]

Luci remembers what Ryan said at that festival they went to, something that kinda lives rent-free in her head. About how Aiden looks at her. Like she could be telling him anything and it'd be the most interesting thing in the world. She knows she's lucky, that not everyone has that. And when she turns her chin just a little to see Aiden already watching her--

she can't help but beam.

She runs an absent hand over her stomach as she glances at the bar, hoping they have some sort of sparkling water or juice. She looks at a woman approaching and recognizes her from her work with Kim.

"Hi," She smiles, "Things are going really well. How about you, Mallory?"

Aiden likes see the excitement on Luci's face. If he's being honest, they could just walk around and look at the museum instead of mindlessly chatting to random folks, the small talk kills Aiden sometimes even though he's decently good at it. He looks up at one of the dinosaurs and fondly remembers that one day at the zoo when they had the dinosaur safari, it was a fun day. It really cemented a few things for Aiden too.

He grabs a snack too, looking around for a bar so they could at least get some water while they're here. Or a fun mock tail that Luci likes. "Hi Aiden, Luci," a voice comes from behind them and it's Mallory from one of the community centres his mom volunteers at. Someone nice and normal, kind, "It's so nice to see you both here. How are things?"

[lucifitzgerald]

Luci can't remember the last time she was at the natural history museum, so all of this is so exciting for her. She knows she had a very small meltdown about the dress she was going to wear but...Aiden being Aiden, he was able to steer her through that without much trouble.

He really is a good human.

She holds onto his arm as they head inside, her eyes bright and comically a bit wide as she gets her sights on the dinosaurs. Literally no matter how many times she sees this? Will be so cool.

"Look at that one." She grins at Aiden, squeezing his arm...and then snagging a snack from the passing trays.

Aiden smiles, getting up to pull on some clothes as well. At this rate, he doesn't really want to stay past dinner too. So maybe they can head out right after they eat. He buttons up his dress shirt and grabs some shoes as well, humming softly about the morning sickness. That did not seem fun in the slightest. "Yeah, it wasn't that fun not making eggs for two weeks," he teases her, putting on his shoes as well.

When they're all ready to go, Aiden drives them to the museum. He parks them nearby before walking with Luci hand in hand up to the main doors of the museum. It's a great set up right in the main area with the dinosaur skeletons and everything, he'd hate for Luci to miss that. There is a few people that say hello to them as they walk on through, and more importantly, people with mini appetizers walking around.

[lucifitzgerald]

Luci turns to look at herself in the mirror, letting out a breath because she looks good, she thinks? It's a little snug but not in a way that you can tell. She smooths her hands over the fabric and grabs a brush for her hair, leaving it down and wavy. She just needs to add some lipstick.

She reaches down into the closet, looking for her comfortable wedge sandals. She hums, glancing over at Aiden and moving to sit on the edge of the bed, sliding her feet into the sandals but not leaning down to zip them up.

"I'm good," She promises, "I'm just glad the morning sickness didn't linger." She shakes her head. Out of everything, she's mostly hungry, sore or tired. But not nauseas. Thank god for small favors.

"I know," Aiden nods sincerely. "It's a lot of change and you're doing what you can, or... a lot more then many people realize." Growing a whole baby? Aiden can't fully fathom it himself and going through it is a different thing too. It's a lot for a woman and if Luci isn't feeling well, he's not going to push her.

Aiden reaches out and helps Luci into her dress. Yes, it is a bit more snug but he thinks it might be okay? He's sure she'll let him know if it's not. Aiden begins to zip up the back, tugging the fabric gently until it zips all the way up. "You're in," he nods. "But how do you feel?"

[lucifitzgerald]

Luci bites down on her lower lip, smiling at the dress a little because she's seen the way Aiden looks at her in it. He likes it, knows that for a fact because he wouldn't just suggest anything right now when she's feeling a twinge bit sensitive. She presses herself up on her toes and kisses him gently, a thanks for the suggestion and for his kind words.

"I want to go," She tells him, "Besides," A small smile, "Everything kinda feels uncomfortable right now as my body changes," She shrugs, "This is just one more thing to get used to. A good excuse to buy new dresses."

She smiles up at him, tugging the fabric over her head and shifting it about. Her boobs are bigger too...which is definitely a change, "Okay, uhm, can you help zip me?" She asks, turning.

Aiden smiles, amused as Luci looks at a dress he thinks she's worn dozens of times. And it's one of his person favourites. "It's just some charity event at the museum, not the MET Gala. I promise this is completely fine, you should see what some other people wear. And I'm not talking about jeans," he nods a few times.

But he can see some hesitation in her eyes. Aiden takes Luci's hand and sits on the end of the bed, having her stand in front of him. "If you don't want to go, we don't need to go. I promise that no one is going to care, and I mean that in that I'm just invited because I've been going for years, that's all. I can donate through the foundation."

Aiden squeezes her hand, looking at the dress in her hands. "I don't want you to feel uncomfortable, Luc."

[lucifitzgerald]

Luci pouts just a little, though she's not sure whether it's about Aiden not wearing a towel or the fact that she can't find a dress to wear. She lets out a semi-dramatic breath as he hands her a dress with flowers on it and...she might be able to get the zipper to cooperate. She makes a mental note to go shopping this weekend with Ryan to look for some new dresses.

She looks down at herself,

"Are you sure this dress is...fancy enough?" She doesn't want to stick out like a sore thumb. She's not that belly heavy yet but, she already worries she does stick out.

His words about being beautiful warm her, along with the prospect that they can just stay home if she needs to but...she just wants to be good enough, even if that's silly.

Aiden looks over at Luci as he pulls out some boxers and socks from a drawer, shaking his head with a light smile. "What about that yellow dress with the flowers?" He asks, moving to the closet and looks through some of the dresses Luci has. Not the ones already crumpled up on the bed. "This one," he says and takes it down from the hanger to hand over.

Then he chuckles, "I don't think the Mayor of New York would want to see me in random embroidered towel from my great aunt." Aiden leans over and presses a kiss to Luci's nose, "Don't stress about it, you look beautiful. And if nothing fits then we can stay home, six year old free for a night."

[lucifitzgerald]

Don't get Luci wrong, she loves being pregnant. But with that comes any small frustrations as she figures out growing pains. She looks down at herself as she steps out of the closet, a small pout to her lips,

"We won't even make it to dessert if I can't find a dress to fit." She tugs the one she's wearing over her head and tosses it towards a small pile growing on the bed. She really should have thought this out. She's always been petite and while she's bought some pregnancy comfy clothes...she didn't think about dresses.

She glances over her shoulder at Aiden, a small smile on her face as she gets a good look at him. Meanwhile, the man is gorgeous in practically anything he wears. Especially that towel.

"You wearing that?" She teases.

Violet nods a few times with a big grin, icing over her face. Aiden smiles to himself as he peels the wrapper back and breaks it in half to share with Luci. "Well, let's help mom back up and we'll head over to grandma's, okay?"

"Okay!"

Admittedly, ever since Luci moved in with him and Violet something has felt complete. There was a brief moment where Aiden wondered if he was doing something wrong asking Luci to move into a place that he once lived in with his previous wife but... he knew immediately he was overthinking it. What was he going to do? Buy a whole new house? Well... it's not exactly off the table but they have space and that's all that matters. Two kids can fit into the house just fine.

Aiden steps out of the shower and dries himself off the day of the event at the museum. He's looking forward to it, sure, but sometimes these things are long and sometimes Luci is very tired by the end of the day. So he's calculated a decent amount of time to be there to show face at least.

"And then," Aiden says as he wraps a towel around his waist. "We eat, and if the dessert isn't great we leave then."

[lucifitzgerald]

Luci watches as Violet brings out cupcakes, sharing one with her father which honestly is so nice of her. She shakes her head in amusement, running a hand through her hair. She's glad tonight is going to be an easy night of eating at Kim's because she hasn't had a chance to go home and decompress before making anything to eat.

Then there's that event this weekend she said she'd attend with Aiden for the Natural History Museum. Her feet already hurt at the prospect but she's not about to bail.

"Ohhh maybe we can make cheesy garlic bread."

Aiden smiles softly, leaning against the counter as well. It's not surprising that Luci is using food as sizing indicators and it's actually very helpful, especially when Violet is curious about it. Learning experience and all of that. At least she hasn't asked how it happened too much because Aiden does not know how to conquer that conversation quite yet.

"A pear is good," he nods, "I'm sure he's having quite the time with listening to that k-pop vampire or demon whatever is it soundtrack on repeat," but hey, it's not Tangled. Hasn't been for a while now, so Aiden will call it growth. And as if right on cue, Violet comes out from the back with the cupcakes in her hand doing a little dance from the movie.

Hey, at least she's happy, right?

"Here dad," Vi holds up the cupcake and he takes it from her, thanking her too. "Can we have tacos?"

Aiden looks at his watch, "I think grandma wanted us to come to dinner tonight."

"Oh yeah," she mumbles with cupcake in her mouth. "Basghetti!"

[lucifitzgerald]

Luci snorts as Violet rushes into the kitchen because she is...so much Aiden's daughter it hurts. "There's a step-stool in there, use it!" She calls out to her. She left the cupcakes on a table, not hard for her to reach but... "Don't pull things down."

She shakes her head, amused as she turns to look up at Aiden. She leans back against the counter, giving the bakery a onceover as she draws in a breath. She knows he's probably asking about her in general but...she's good. It's the bakery she's a little worried about. Or well, excited about too.

She so desperately wants everything to work out.

But she smiles up at Aiden, resting her hand on her belly, "I'm good. Tired but," She shrugs. "He's as big as a pear today," She smirks, "Kind of hard to believe."

"Cupcakes!" Violet shouts and scurries off to the kitchen to find them. Aiden smiles softly as she goes along, looking back to Luci a moment later.

He exhales through his nose as he looks around the bakery. When he finally told Luci he had purchased the whole big building, there were some flurry of emotions but he thinks overall Luci was simply shocked... and maybe more so when he told her she could have one of the vacant ones to start her bakery whenever she was ready. The row of stores has come a long way with some refreshes and a new place or two as well.

"How are you feeling today?" Aiden asks her, looking down at her belly again.